Visual Arts from Canada & Around the World

Tony Luciani – Realism interpreted

Artist Tony Luciani (b: 1956) defines his work as “realism which is interpretive rather than photographic.” Compositional drawings are done on location, then worked to a larger scale in his studio, where he’s been producing for exhibitions since 1978. (Above: ​Port-Kent, oil on canvas, 36″ x 48″)

Wall Street, oil on canvas, 32″ x 48″

I’ve had many wonderful teachers, but the greatest lessons came from the art in the drawing cabinets, museums, and churches of Europe, where I studied and traveled for three years – artist statement

Portrait of an Old Lady, Archival print on Hahnemühle paper, 17.75 x 15 in

Luciani left Toronto to live in rural Ontario and this change altered his choice of subject matter, his gallery (Loch Gallery) says. The landscape and small town life have become part of his life and as a result, a major source of inspiration.

Bus Stop, oil on canvas, 32″ x 48″

Rather than achieving a full, realistic likeness, I try to capture the feeling I get from a mental visualization of my subject. I imagine it rather than copy it. Subject matter is less important than mood and feeling, of which both come from within me. This is why I would call my work interpretive. – artist statement

​Algoway, oil on canvas, 34″ x 48″

Tony Luciani also has a significant photography and drawing body of work. He is represented in numerous collections throughout Canada and the world.